...National Hurricane Center to Provide Greater Lead Time in Watches and Warnings...NOAA's National Hurricane Center in Miami will issue watches and warnings for tropical storms and hurricanes along threatened coastal areas 12 hours earlier than in previous years. According to NHC experts, advancements in track forecasts are making it possible for forecasters to provide greater lead time. Details...

...Dec. 26, 2009 Marks Five Years Since Sumatra Indonesia Tsunami Killed 230,000 ...In December 2004, lack of an effective international warning system contributed to unprecedented loss of life when a tsunami devastated countless communities around the Indian Ocean. Through NOAA, the United States accelerated preparation for a potential tsunami along the U.S. coastline and efforts to build partnerships for an international warning program. According to NOAA tsunami experts, the key to surviving a destructive tsunami is people's ability to receive warnings and willingness to act quickly to move inland or to higher ground. Details...

...Major winter storm continues to bring blizzard conditions across the Northern Plains...The intensity of the surface low over northern Iowa is slowly weakening and will continue to do so tonight and into Saturday. However, blizzard or near-blizzard conditions are expected to persist across the Northern Plains through Saturday morning. Additional snowfall totals of 2 to 6 inches are expected across the Northern Plains and upper Midwest with localized 8 to 12 inch amounts possible over this region. For more details, check the web site of the local Weather Forecast Office. Details...

...NOAA Reminds you to Give the Gift of Safety this Holiday Season...When searching for that special gift this holiday season, consider giving a potentially life-saving NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio. These radios sound an alarm when NOAA's National Weather Service issues a warning for severe weather, such as a tornado or flash flood, and can relay civil emergency messages. Details...

...Blizzard conditions along the New England coast...The low off the New England coast will continue to track northeastward during the day on Sunday. snow across the Mid-Atlantic and New England will slowly taper off as the low moves away from the coast. Heavy snow and strong winds could potentially cause whiteout conditions along the New England coast through Sunday morning. Widespread snowfall totals of 10 to 20 inches are expected across the area with locally higher amounts possible. Details...

...Developing low will bring significant snow to the Mid-Atlantic...A storm system over the Gulf of Mexico is forecast to deepening as it tracks across the Southeast today, along the Outer Banks of North Carolina by Saturday morning, and southeast of Marthas Vineyard on Sunday morning. This track gives a stripe of heavy snowfall from western North Carolina to New York City, impacting major cities including Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia with potentially a foot or more of snow. A mix of sleet/freezing rain is forecast along the piedmont of North Carolina into Virginia. Details...

...Winter, Nighttime Tornadoes Pose Greatest Risk, National Weather Service Warns ...Shrouded in darkness, nighttime tornadoes can be deadly, especially during the winter season when people are not accustomed to such severe weather. Given the dangers, forecasters with NOAA's National Weather Service are increasing efforts to alert people of a potential threat in their area before they go to sleep. Details...

...Major Winter Storm Crossing the Country....Heavy snow and high winds are forecast from the Midwest to the Northeast as a strong storm moves across the country. Numerous winter weather alerts have been issued by the National Weather Service. Details...

...Major Winter Storm Forecast for Western and Central U.S....Heavy snow and high winds are forecast from California to Michigan as a strong storm moves across the country the next couple of days. Numerous winter weather alerts have been issued by the National Weather Service. Details...

...2009 Atlantic hurricane season officially ended November 30th...The 2009 Atlantic hurricane season officially ended Monday, marking the close of a season with the fewest named storms and hurricanes since 1997 thanks, in part, to El Nino. Details...

...U.S. Posts Third Coolest-Highest Precipitation for October on Record...The October 2009 average temperature for the contiguous United States was the third coolest on record for that month according to NOAA's State of the Climate report issued today. Based on data going back to 1895, the monthly National Climatic Data Center analysis is part of the suite of climate services provided by NOAA. Details...

...The National Hurricane Center has issued the last advisory on Ida...The center of Ida has moved inland and the National Hurricane Center has issued the last advisory on Ida. The remnants of Ida are expected to produce total rain accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated maximum storm totals of 8 inches, through Wednesday evening from the central and eastern Gulf Coast across the southeastern United States into the southern Mid-Atlantic states. Details...

...El Nino to Help Steer U.S. Winter Weather...El Nino in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean is expected to be a dominant climate factor that will influence the December through February winter weather in the United States, according to the 2009 Winter Outlook released Thursday by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center. Details...

...Southern Storminess: Flooding and Severe Thunderstorms...Heavy rain and the risk of severe thunderstorms is forecast through Friday from the western Gulf Coast north and eastward through the lower and mid Mississippi Valley. Much of this area has already received heavy rain over the past few weeks, thus flash flooding is possible. Additional rain will also exacerbate the widespread mainstem river flooding that is ongoing. Details...

...September Temperature Above-Average for the U.S....The September 2009 average temperature for the contiguous United States was above the long-term average, according to NOAA's monthly State of the Climate report. Based on records going back to 1895, the monthly National Climatic Data Center analysis is part of the suite of climate services NOAA provides. Details...

...Heavy Rain Raises Flood Threat in Central U.S. ...Flood watches and warnings are in effect for many states from Indiana to Texas where heavy rain is falling and is forecast to continue. Remember the rules of flood safety, including Turn Around Don't Drown by not crossing water-covered roads. Details...

...Stay Informed on Tsunami Safety...Tsunamis can be devastating - as seen this week in American Samoa and nearly five years ago around the Indian Ocean. NOAA's National Weather Service is helping to keep the nation's coastline safe through observations and warnings. Can you recognize the signs of an impending tsunami? Do you know what to do? Tsunami safety information Details...

...NOAA Needs Input to Chart the Future...We are Charting the Future of NOAA and the National Weather Service. To better prepare for external developments and challenges we will face in serving the Nation we need your help. What trends will shape our future? What challenges or opportunities will we face? What should NOAA strive to accomplish? Join us in developing the Next Generation Strategic Plan. Details...

...NOAA's Powerful New Supercomputers Boost U.S. Weather Forecasts ...NOAA has completed implementation of the final phase of a nine year contract by installing the newest generation of IBM supercomputers for weather and climate prediction. The supercomputers allow NOAA to run more complex models in an effort to improve forecast accuracy and extend watch and warning lead times for severe weather, including hurricanes, tornadoes, air quality, wildfires, floods, tsunamis and winter storms. Details...

...Remnants of Danny are expected to produce dangerous surf conditions...The remnants of Danny are moving rapidly toward the north-northeast at 30 to 35 MPH as a extratropical low. While Danny is no longer a tropical system, large swells from the extratropical low are expected to produce dangerous surf conditions and life-threatening rip currents along the U.S. East Coast during the next day or two. Details...

...Danny rapidly becoming absorbed by an extratropical low...At 5 AM EDT the Tropical Storm Watch for the North Carolina coast has been discontinued. The remnants of Danny were located about 80 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras North Carolina. Large swells from the extratropical low are expected to produce dangerous surf conditions and life-threatening rip currents along the U.S. East Coast during the next day or two. This is the last public advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center on this system. Details...

...NOAA Lowers Hurricane Season Outlook, Cautions Public Not to Let Down Guard...According to its August Atlantic hurricane season outlook, NOAA now expects a near- to below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, as the calming effects of El Niño continue to develop. But scientists say the season's quiet start does not guarantee quiet times ahead. The season, which began June 1, is entering its historical peak period of August through October, when most storms form. Details...

...Beachgoers Beware: Hurricane Bill A Coastal Danger from Afar...Dangerous seas (waves and swells) and rip currents are expected along parts of the U.S. East Coast through the weekend as powerful Hurricane Bill moves north across the western Atlantic Ocean. Local National Weather Service forecast offices will issue appropriate outlooks and advisories as warranted. For more on Rip Current safety Details...

...Tropical Atlantic remains active with Hurricane Bill...Latest advisories on Atlantic and eastern Pacific tropical systems are available from the National Weather Service National Hurricane Center web site Details...

...Tropical Depression Claudette...At 700 AM CDT the center of Tropical Depression Claudette was located about 15 miles north-northwest of Brewton Alabama and about 85 miles southwest of Montgomery Alabama. Movement was toward the northwest near 12 MPH. The remnants of Claudette will move across southwestern Alabama today and into northeastern Mississippi tonight. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 35 MPH with higher gusts. Additional weakening is expected today as the system moves farther inland. This is the last advisory issued on Claudette by the National Hurricane Center. Details...

...Tropical Atlantic becoming more active - Tropical Storm Ana and Tropical Storm Bill...The tropical Atlantic has become more active with Tropical Storm Ana and Tropical Storm Bill forming on Saturday. The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on both systems. Latest advisories, satellite images, and buoy reports are available from NOAAWatch tracking pages. Details...

...El Niño Arrives; Expected to Persist through Winter 2009-10...NOAA scientists today announced the arrival of El Niño, a climate phenomenon with a significant influence on global weather, ocean conditions and marine fisheries. NOAA expects this El Niño to continue developing during the next several months, with further strengthening possible. The event is expected to last through winter 2009-10 Details...

...New NOAA Satellite Reaches Orbit...NOAA and NASA officials announced a new Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES), successfully reached orbit, joining three other GOES spacecraft that help NOAA forecasters track life-threatening weather and solar storms. The new satellite features significant improvements in the instruments that capture high-resolution pictures of weather patterns and atmospheric measurements. Details...

...Lightning Safety Week is June 21-27...Lightning kills or injures hundreds each year. There have been 11 deaths so far this June. See our new 30-second video on a teen struck by lightning, download our new safety brochure and explore the wealth of resources on the NWS lightning safety website. Details...

...U.S. Temperature Warmer than Average for May...The May 2009 temperature for the contiguous United States was above the long-term average, based on records going back to 1895, according to an analysis by NOAA's National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C. Details...

...NOAA and National Park Service Urge Beach-Goers to Break the Grip of the Rip...Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for beach-goers, claiming an estimated 100 lives per year nationally. For that reason, NOAA and the National Park Service are teaming up to sponsor Rip Current Awareness Week, June 7-13, 2009, with the theme Break the Grip of the Rip. Details...

...NOAA Issues Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook...NOAA forecasters say a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season is most likely this year. However, as with any season, the need to prepare for the possibility of a storm striking near you is essential. Forecasters say there is a 70 percent chance of having nine to 14 named storms, of which four to seven could become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5). Details...

...NWS Climate Services Customer Satisfaction Survey...In order to continually improve services, the NWS is researching how
satisfied its users are with the Climate Services Program, and would
appreciate your feedback and valuable input. The survey is open until June 10, 2009. Details...

...Season Drought Assessment...Over the last month, widespread moderate to heavy precipitation has eliminated or reduced drought severity in the Mid-Atlantic states, the Great Lakes region, parts of the south-central Plains, portions of the Intermountain West and adjacent Rockies, and the central Sierra Nevada. Details...

...NOAA Hurricane Team Embarks on Atlantic Coast Awareness Tour...NOAA hurricane experts will visit five East Coast cities aboard a NOAA hurricane hunter aircraft to raise awareness about storm threats and the danger of being caught without a personal hurricane plan. The five-day tour begins May 4 with visits to Newington, N.H., Farmingdale, N.Y., Raleigh, N.C., Wilmington, N.C., and Key West, Fla. The public and media are invited to tour the aircraft and speak with the team. Details...

...Air Quality Awareness Week...The National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency urge Americans to "Be Air Aware" during Air Quality Awareness Week, April 27-May 1, 2009. Details...

...Early Warning System Forecasts Deadly Mudslides ...In the United States, approximately 25 to 50 deaths a year can be attributed to the phenomenon of debris flow - or mudslides as they are more commonly known - with monetary losses exceeding $2 billion annually. Details...

...U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook Issued...Moderate to heavy rains eased drought impacts across the central Gulf Coast, the Southeast outside the Florida Peninsula, the mid-Atlantic region, and parts of the southern Plains over the last few weeks, helping to bring numerous wildfires under control across western Oklahoma and northern Texas. Details...

...Red River Will Crest Again in Fargo-Moorhead later this week ...Warming temperatures in the Red River of the North basin will begin melting ice and snowpack, setting the stage for a dangerous second crest in Fargo, N.D., and Moorhead, Minn., later this week, according to forecasters with the National Weather Service. Details...

...An outbreak of severe thunderstorms expected Thursday and Thursday night...The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center is forecasting the development of tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds from the Lower Mississippi River Valley and Mid-South Region into the Southeastern U.S. today and tonight. Details...

...Flooding ...River flooding will continue from Louisiana through the Florida panhandle and on rivers in the Dakotas and Minnesota. Heavy rains pounded Alabama, Georgia, and northern Florida, flooding roads and forcing officials to close some schools. Details...

...NOAA's National Weather Service Issues National Hydrologic Assessment...There is a high and imminent risk of flooding for the Red River of the North Basin. There is also an above average risk of flooding for Upper Midwest and from the lower Great Lakes to Illinois and part of New England. Flooding in the upper Midwest could rival the high water levels experienced in 2006 and possibly 1997. Details...

...Flood Safety Awareness Week...The 50 plus inches of rain that fell across the mid section of the United States in 2008 resulted in several deaths, numerous water rescues, and hundreds of road closings. It is another sobering reminder that floods can occur anytime and anywhere over the Nation and pose a real threat to life and property. Details...

...NOAA Report Uncovers Why Some People Don't Heed Severe Weather Warnings...The National Weather Service has issued a report that analyzes forecasting performance and public response during the second deadliest tornado outbreak in U.S. history. The report also addresses a key area of concern: why some people take cover while others ride out severe weather. Details...

...La Nina is expected to gradually weaken...La Nina is expected to gradually weaken with increasing chances (greater than 50%) for ENSO-neutral conditions during the Northern Hemisphere Spring. Atmospheric and oceanic conditions during February 2009 continued to reflect La Niña. Equatorial sea surface temperatures across the central and east-central Pacific Ocean remained below-average, but weakened throughout the month. Details...

...NOAA Weather Radio...NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards is an "All Hazards" radio network, making it your single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information. NOAA Weather Radio also broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards - including natural, environmental, and public safety. NOAA Weather Radios receive weather information directly from the National Weather Service. Alarms in the radio are activated by the National Weather Service when severe weather warnings are issued. Details...

...Major Late Season Winter Storm along the U.S. East Coast...A major East Coast storm, just off the Mid-Atlantic coast, will move northward into southeastern Canada by Tuesday morning. The snow and coastal rain that is accompanying the storm from the Carolinas northward will move northward with the surface low. For latest forecasts and warnings for your location, please check your local Weather Forecast Office web site. Details...

...NOAA's National Weather Service Fire Weather Experts Assisting in Australia...Fire weather forecasters from NOAA's National Weather Service are on duty in Australia providing crucial weather information to forecasters in the Australian Bureau of Meteorology as they battle wildfires ravaging southeastern Australia. Details...

...Potential for significant flooding on the Red River this spring...The National Weather Service is alerting residents in the Red River Valley, which separates North Dakota and Minnesota, of the potential for significant flooding in their communities this spring. Several factors led to this early projection. The area has received between 200 and 300 percent of normal precipitation since September 2008 and December saw 23 days of snow, leaving water content of snowpack at 170 to 300 percent above normal. Details...

...February 9th marks the birthday of the U.S. National Weather Service...The beginning of the U.S. National Weather Service started on February 9th, 1870, when President Ulysses S. Grant signed a joint resolution of Congress authorizing the Secretary of War to establish a national weather service "to provide for taking meteorological observations at the military stations in the interior of the continent and at other points in the States and Territories...and for giving notice on the northern (Great) Lakes and on the seacoast by magnetic telegraph and marine signals, of the approach and force of storms" Details...

...Winter Weather Preparedness...Each year, dozens of Americans die due to exposure to cold. Add to that number, vehicle accidents and fatalities, fires due to dangerous use of heaters and other winter weather fatalities. The NWS offers winter weather preparedness information. Details...

...Peanut Butter and other Peanut Containing Products Recall List...The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has developed a recall database that enables consumers to search for products subject to recall in the United States since January 2009 related to peanut products recalled by Peanut Corporation of America. Details...

...NOAA Satellites Helped Rescue 283 People in 2008...NOAA satellites were key factors in the rescues of 283 people throughout the United States and its surrounding waters in 2008. In each incident, NOAA satellites detected and located a distress signal from an emergency beacon and relayed the information to first responders on the ground. Details...

...A powerful winter storm spread snow and ice from the Southern Plains into the Northeast...Selected storm total snowfall in inches from 700 PM EST Monday through 400 AM EST Thursday include in Maine Jay 13.0, North Sebago 12.0; in Vermont Townsend 11.3 inches. Selected storm total sleet in inches where the event has ended include in Arkansas Mountain Home 2.00 (sleet and ice); in Illinois Makanda 3.50; in Missouri Eminence 5.00 (sleet and ice), Farmington 3.00; in Oklahoma Weleetka 3.50 (sleet and ice). Details...

...2008 Temperature for U.S. Near Average; Below Average for December...The 2008 annual temperature for the contiguous United States was near average, while the temperature for December was below the long-term average, based on records dating back to 1895, according to a preliminary analysis by scientists at NOAA's National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C. Details...

D.C. Weather Forecast for Inauguration DayNOAA's National Weather Service is issuing its 7-day forecasts for the Washington region, including Inauguration Day. Details...

...NOAA Seeks Applicants for the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship...NOAA is accepting applications through January 30, 2009 for a scholarship program in honor of retired South Carolina Sen. Ernest F. Hollings, who promoted oceanic and atmospheric research throughout his career. This is the fifth year this scholarship is being made available to students interested in pursuing degrees in ocean and atmospheric sciences and education. Details...